January so far

Capt. Ryan Floyd
January 21, 2015
Stuart - Saltwater Fishing Report

This winter has brought us some fantastic fishing so far. There are alot of species migrating/spawning in the river now and there is simply alot of action going on. We have caught a ton of different species lately and it has led to many surprises. Temperature and weather has been reasonable and I have seen the best action in the afternoon when the sun warms up.

I have not done much snook fishing because season is closed. These fish deserve a couple months to not be pressured so we can have more and more and more! They are of course always a by catch and we have caught many small snook everyday. We did land a 30in snook after a great fight around the docks. They have been biting DOA shrimp, shrimp, and small pilchards.

Redfish have came on strong. When it comes to the flats and mangroves they have taken place of the snook, respectively. I have seen a few reds in the 20lb range follow small snook and small trout right to the boat! They have been biting well later in the day around structure and on flats with clean water. Usually when you find one there are plenty more. They have been biting DOA shrimp, shrimp, and small pilchards for us.

Trout fishing has been steady from the flats north of North Bridge down to Bear Point. I have caught them in the morning, middle of the day, and afternoon. The tide has been important with them. Most of our fish have been under 20 inches and we have caught them on DOA Cals and live shrimp. I don't know if others agree but I have seen a decrease in trout this last year. Commercial limits are too high and they extended season another month this year from what another captain told me.

Back to the migrations of different species in the river.... Sheepshead, black drum, pompano, hopefully flounder, black margate, grouper.... The sheepshead have been great targets around the usual structure and ledges. Snapper and black drum have been mixed in with them. We have caught some quality size fish of these species lately. Pompano are biting on the incoming tide around deeper flats and edges. Always keep a pompano jig rigged up in case you skip a few fish while putting around. Grouper are coming back really strong! We have caught some exceptional grouper around docks lately including a 25in red grouper and 26in gag grouper. Remember they are closed Jan 1- May 31.

Great fishing going on now and I hope to see a few days of light weather offshore to do some beach fishing.